Guitar Nick, Blue Al & Groovy Rus – Live In Sofia 2004
Springtime Boogie Music
7 Tracks – 28 minutes
In the realm of blues, where history and soul intertwine, Guitar Nick, Blue Al, and Groovy Rus emerge from the shadows with their captivating live album, "Live In Sofia 2004." This mysterious trio, hailing from Bulgaria, delivers a 28-minute sonic journey that pays homage to the blues legends while showcasing their own musical prowess.
The band, shrouded in limited historical details, is known as an international ensemble with a notable connection to Bulgaria. Guitar Nick, aka Nicolai Tanev, and Blue Al, or Alexander Donchev, initiated their musical collaboration in 2003 with a tribute to the legendary Robert Johnson. Adding a touch of groove to the mix, Rus "Groovy Rus" Kiskinov joined the duo, contributing keyboards and various string instruments. The result is a live performance captured in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2004, echoing with the essence of blues history.
The album kicks off with Leadbelly's classic "Good Morning Blues," immediately establishing the trio's command over the stage. Rus's honky-tonk piano and Blue Al's harmonica intertwine seamlessly, setting the tone for a captivating musical journey. The Robert Johnson repertoire follows, with "Sweet Home Chicago," where Rus's keyboards take center stage, and Blue Al's harmonica leads the way. The trio continues to pay homage to Johnson with soulful renditions of "Love In Vain" and "Walking Blues."
Nestled between the Johnson classics is the lone original composition, "Springtime Boogie," a creation by Guitar Nick himself. This instrumental piece serves as a showcase for each musician's individual brilliance, allowing the listener to bask in the harmonious interplay of guitar, harmonica, and keyboards.
Muddy Waters' "I Can't Be Satisfied" takes a unique turn, labeled as the "I Can't Be Satisfied Blues Improvisation Live." The trio delves into an all-instrumental exploration, deviating from Waters' original while spinning off into various musical directions. The album concludes with a rendition of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster," a fitting finale to a blues journey that spans decades and continents.
Throughout the album, the trio infuses each track with traditional blues flourishes, demonstrating their mastery over their respective instruments. Guitar Nick's vocals, though not flashy, captivate the listener, adding an authentic touch to the overall performance. "Live In Sofia 2004" stands as a testament to the enduring power of blues, skillfully interpreted by these enigmatic musicians.
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